Behind the Badge Charities, in association with the presenting sponsor, Motorola Solutions, is preparing for the annual Boots and Badges Gala, slated for February at the George Ranch Historical Park.

This year's gala will be 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the George Ranch Historical Park's main arena.

The event features dinner catered by Safari Texas, music, and live and silent auctions.

Behind the Badge Charities is a volunteer organization that provides emergency financial assistance grants to Fort Bend County emergency first responders who suffer injuries, illness or other disasters that create financial hardship not covered by insurance or other assistance.

"As the leading supplier of Mission Critical Communications Equipment and Services to all levels of government worldwide, Motorola Solutions works every day to provide critical communications links to those whose lives depend on it," said Rick Russek, government sales manager for Motorola Solutions. "The First Responders in Fort Bend County have relied on Motorola Solutions for the past 20-plus years to provide communications networks and equipment that work 'First Time/Everytime' -regardless of the situation. These are the 'Moments that Matter for First Responders' and the communities they serve and protect. Motorola Solutions is proud to be Behind the Badge to make a difference for 'Moments that Matter to Fort Bend County's First Responders.'"

Behind the Badge Charities has awarded more than $173,000 in financial assistance to date. Assistance has been presented to personnel from police departments of Richmond, Katy ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Sugar Land, Missouri City and Stafford along with the Stafford Fire Department, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, Fort Bend EMS and the Rosenberg Fire Department.

Behind the Badge Charities also awards academic scholarships to eligible dependent children of emergency responders in Fort Bend County. This year, academic scholarships totaling more than $45,000 have been set aside for the 2014-15 academic year.

Scholarships have been presented to children of personnel from the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal's Office and the police departments of Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear and Stafford.

Sponsorship opportunities for the gala range from $1,000 to $7,500. Individual tickets are $35 each and tables of 10 can be reserved for $500. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased on our website at www.BehindTheBadgeCharities.org or by calling 281-815-4980.